Meet the London 2020 bridalNext winners!

Ok so it feels like an actual different lifetime but back in February we did actually do our Spring shows (Norwich had to be postponed as is coming in October!). So…. a lot has happened since then (over used phrased of 2020) but all the same we had some BANGING winners and runners up chosen at the shows, by Love My Dress from our curated showcase of the ones to watch in weddings, bridalNEXT. We wanted to announce the London stars here and we’ll announce the Manchester winners and runners during the week. A quick recap - as…. a lot has happened since then (!) bridalNEXT is the category of our show which supports and promotes new, fresh and emerging talent in the industry. It is a platform for designers and artisans who have launched their bridal brand no earlier than 2 years prior and has a discounted price to keep it accessible to start ups and young brands. It is our way of fostering and introducing innovative and exciting new names into the wedding world, a jumping board for those who would like to expand or enter into or experiment with this audience, uniting them with the coolest and most creative, adventurous couples out there. It keeps our exhibitor base directional and forward thinking, which is fantastic not only for Most Curious but for the couples that come to find something new and wonderful. 

New for 2020, bridalNEXT! is run in conjunction with the UK’s biggest bridal blog Love My Dress, another big player in the industry who is striving to champion emerging, British talent in the bridal world. The bridalNEXT Awards for most directional brands showcasing that year, are chosen by Most Curious and Annabel of Love My Dress. (Some Hilarious) Pics of them being told of their award taken by Becky Most Curious at the show! We will also be publishing individual spot lights and vids on the brands over the next few months, as part of their prize. And because we wanna!

FASHION CATEGORY WINNER: SEWN RIGHT

Sewn Right are fashion and bridal specialists, creating bespoke gowns for the modern bride seeking a truly unique piece, built from scratch. Company founder Charlotte began sewing and making clothes at 13, inspired by her seamstress Grandmother. She studied Fashion in Womenswear, and her first job was in the alterations department in Selfridges, next was Net-a-Porter but it’s only been in the last two years she has officially moved into bridal work. Now she and her studio team can give their experience and skills to design the dress you can’t find on the rails. “At Sewn Right, we make the bride the designer” explains Charlotte, “and we’re not afraid to break a few rules….”

FASHION CATEGORY RUNNER UP: Tihara Smith

Tihara Smith graduated UCA Epsom in 2018 in Fashion Design. Her graduate collection was a heartfelt celebration of the Windrush Generation (which included her Grandfather from St Lucia) and the beauty of the Caribbean. She is worked on some new bridal items especially to launch at the show, which include her signature raffia colourful hand-embroidery, mixed with faux fur, knit textures and statement accessories and there will be Caribbean inspired pieces. We were so thrilled to have her exhibit and are really excited she won one of the gongs!

SERVICES CATEGORY WINNER: Bud Flora

Lucie’s of Bud Flora’s journey started in fashion photography and production, but always seeking something more hands-on creative, and never feeling fulfilled, she re-trained to be a florist and it meshed her two world’s perfectly. She also created the show florals on the catwalk and for the models at the London show, seen here.
‘‘I like to map out the composition of a bouquet, or an arrangement just like a photograph’’ Always being drawn to the simplicity of mixing florals, textures and greenery, appreciating stems naturally, just the way they are. This is something Lucie fashion-led florals bring, a signature style, big and bold with a touch of English charm.

Credit: Matilda Delves

Credit: Matilda Delves

SERVICES CATEGORY RUNNER UP: Ink and Thimble

Ink & Thimble is a creative embroidery studio dreamed up by Julia Bethan. Her bespoke embroidery draws on her years as an illustrator as well as her love of meaningful sentiment, culminating in her creating bespoke embroidered pieces that reflect your love story. Whether it’s birds on a wedding dress or boats on a denim jacket that you feel are crucial to representing you, she can depict in her wonderfully whimsical style. She also takes commissions for love letters, tangible love letters with your exact handwriting embroidered, to act as a keepsake of the day forever.